Implementation of large scale composting in Village Two, University of Waterloo

Many regions and municipalities including Waterloo are facing a waste disposal crisis. There will always be a need for municipal landfills but more importantly and more pressing is the greater need to develop better ways to manage solid waste. As cited in previous studies, many alternatives that divert organic waste from the local landfills exist. Now, new practices and attitudes towards waste management must be adopted and implemented. The most common waste management techniques other than incineration and landfill disposal are reduction, reuse and recycling. Each helps to decrease the amount of solid waste that is taken to the landfill. The greatest ability we have to control waste management problems is waste reduction, therefore, reducing the amount of organic waste that is produced should be first and foremost. However, there are several reuse and recycling alternatives that can effectively deal with the remaining organic waste after reduction efforts have been made. It has been suggested that composting, “If used correctly and on a large scale, has the ability to decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills by thirty percent or more”. It is essential that people know they have options and they can make a difference in the waste disposal crisis… For full text, please e-mail sustainability@uwaterloo.ca